ENGINEERING PERFORMANCES OF PROPANE FLAMERS USED FOR WEED, INSECT PEST, AND PLANT DISEASE CONTROL

Abstract

This article presents useful data related to propane flamers used for weed, insect pest, and plant diseasecontrol in agriculture. In order to obtain these data, a computer-controlled indoor test bench consisting of a mobilecarriage, a liquid propane supply system, and different propane flamer units installed beneath a hood that collects andevacuates combustion gases and heat from the testing chamber, was developed. Three different types of propane burnerswere tested at operating pressures ranging from 135 to 485 kPa (20 to 70 psi). Measured data included flametemperature, temperature rise at the target level for different flamer configurations and flamer fuel consumption alongwith the calculation of the thermal energy released. The information presented can be used in conjunction with the resultsof studies on crop, weed, insect pest or plant disease thermal sensitivity in order to identify thermal treatments that willyield optimal control of pests while minimizing cost and impact of flaming on crops.